Provost candidates narrowed to four

Amid exciting new projects and programs such as the new academic building, new stadium and the Growth Quality, and Access agenda, UW-L is searching for a new provost. The chair of the Provost and Vice Chancellor search committee, Gwen Achenreiner, said the decision will be made by the start of second semester. The candidate pool has already been narrowed to four candidates. Each is required to participate in a public forum and meet with various faculty, staff, and student groups. One of the candidates is William Colclough, the current interim provost. Colclough has a Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University and a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from Winona State University. Also being considered for the position is Donald Nieman who is the current Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University (Ohio) and has a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and a B.A. from Drake University. Lance Grahm and Gary Kiger spoke to members of the campus and community last week in open forums. Grahm, who is currently the Dean of College of Letters and Science and a professor of history at UW- Stevens Point, spoke of the important role that public higher institutions have in a public forum last week. He said that the efforts UW-L is taking to maintain academic quality and excellence while also attempting to expand are commendable and wants to be a part of that. "It is not my place to set a vision," said Grahm. "It is my role to fit into and sustain that vision." One of the extensive projects that Grahm mentioned was the work that biology and chemistry majors at Stevens Point have done with local fish farmers. He used this program, which directly applies student research, to demonstrate his ability to be creative with resources. He wants to do the same thing by "bringing new opportunities to the college and extending and growing its reputation." Grahm's interest of administration started at an early age. "I've always been very much intrigued by administration," said Grahm. "To engage the totality of the academic arena and keep all the balls up in the air at the same time." While Grahm tended to focus more on his own personal experience during the open forum, Kiger appeared to have a different approach. Kiger, who is the current Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Science at Utah State University, spoke more about the strengths of UW-L and why he would like to be a part of that success. He said he deeply valued the Liberal Arts education and the opportunities UW-L offers to students. UW-L is currently ranked No.3 in the Midwest's top regional public universities listing by 2007 U.S.News & World Report's College Guide. Kiger suggested that UW-L should focus on "what we do really well and how we can focus on them to make them great." He cited Cirque de Soleil as an example of this approach. "It's something that is truly different," said Kiger. "They found that niche and distinguished themselves." Kiger, who has always looked for leadership opportunities, said that he has always wanted to be at a university which values research and teaching. "Given my experience, I can bring ideas about what's working and needs to be improved upon," said Kiger. Amid all of this is the current limited financial situation which is likely going to constrain UW-L financially and was a main theme at both forums. Kiger stressed that UW-L has to be of a single mind on where it needs to go, and hopes to be the person to assist in that leadership. Achenreiner, who originally had expected close to 50 people at each forum, said that attendance has ranged from 60-75. "It sends a strong signal how the community is interested in the campus," said Achenreiner. "To me it sends a positive sign."

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